Herbal Supplements

Today more than 60 million Americans are medicating themselves with herbal supplements. By assuming that "natural" remedies are safe, you may be making an understandable mistake. Research shows that many do not see the need to inform their physicians of their use of alternative medicine including herbal supplements. This is a serious issue, since "natural" does not always mean "safe." Few studies have been conducted testing herbal preparations in pregnancy. Some of these products include ingredients suspected of causing potential damage to you and your baby. While many of these dietary supplements are safe, there are some very hazardous ones.

Since herbal products are considered dietary supplements, they are not regulated as are traditional drugs. The manufacturers of these products are not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products before they reach the market. In addition, they do not have to adhere to any of the standard quality controls used for drugs. As a result, the composition of herbal products may vary greatly from one batch to another. Some herbal products have been contaminated and could pose a risk in pregnancy. When a pregnant woman is suffering from pregnancy-related discomforts or other ills, she should not assume that it is safe to take a herbal remedy. She should discuss her symptoms with her health care provider who can recommend the safest possible treatment.

Useful Herbs in Pregnancy
The following herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always, be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort. This information is taken from a medical website discussing the uses of various herbs in pregnancy. It is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and should be discussed with your doctor before taking.

Herbal Tea Until more is known about the effect of herbs in pregnancy, the FDA has urged caution on the use of herbal teas during pregnancy and lactation. Thus it is probably safest to limit the amount of herbal teas you consume, until more research is done on the topic. It is safest to stick with regular and caffeine free tea.